TERMS AND CONDITIONS of RENTAL for BELLE CARIBE
When you make a reservation, you will receive a Rental Confirmation/Invoice from us requesting your deposit on your rental for Belle Caribe. This Rental Confirmation becomes a binding agreement when you send us your rental deposit; it states the terms and conditions concerning this rental between you (the “Guest”) and Belle Caribe St. Thomas, LLC (“Belle Caribe STT”). Your sending payment in response to this invoice constitutes your acceptance and agreement to these terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions as printed below. If you have any problems or questions with any of the following, please be sure to phone us for discussion and explanation before you send us your rental deposit monies.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION – When booking directly with Belle Caribe, half of your rent plus half of the mandatory Government Hotel Tax of 12.5% is due within 10 days of booking to confirm your reservation. Failure to make this payment subjects your reservation to automatic cancellation. The balance due of rent, Government Hotel Tax, and damage deposit must be paid in full at least 45 days prior to your arrival. All cancellations and any request for changes to your reservation (such as date changes or changes in the number of persons) must be made in writing. If you cancel more than 45 days prior to your arrival date, 80 per cent of your total rent will be refunded to you and 20 per cent of your total rent will be retained by Belle Caribe STT as full liquidated damages. If you cancel within 45 days of your arrival date, Belle Caribe STT will retain 100 per cent of your total rent including Hotel Tax as full liquidated damages. However, if your cancelled dates are rebooked to another guest, 80 per cent of your rental monies will be returned to you for the nights rebooked, and 20 per cent plus the applicable tax will be retained by Belle Caribe STT as full liquidated damages.
All acceptable forms of payment (unless otherwise noted) include personal check, cashier’s check, wire transfer or PayPal payment. If payment is by personal check, such must be provided in sufficient time that the same clears prior to the payment cutoff date.
If you must change or cancel any portion of the services you have already booked, you must notify us IN WRITING (by email or letter). Finally, please send your payments in on time to avoid cancellation of your reservation. No-shows, late arrivals, a reduction in number of persons in your group within 45 days of or after your arrival, and early departures from your villa are nonrefundable. No refunds will be granted unless there is a serious problem which cannot be remedied within 24 hours within our power to correct, and/or which causes the Guest extreme, undue discomfort or serious inconvenience (see also Complaints and Maintenance below). Guests who abandon the villa rental without permission from Belle Caribe STT agree they have no rights to compensation.
We highly recommend travel insurance for your peace of mind!
RATES – All rates are subject to change without prior notice before a Rental Confirmation Agreement is issued. Only the rental rate in effect at the time the deposit is received, and as per the signed rental agreement, will be honored by Belle Caribe STT. Reservation cancellation or rental termination will void all previous rental rates, and only current published rates will apply for future rental periods. Guests are responsible for re-verifying applicable rates, inclusions and terms when submitting a request for reservations.
DAMAGE DEPOSIT – Your damage deposit is fully refundable within 30 days of your departure, provided there is no breakage, damage, missing items, no additional cleaning for the villa being left abnormally dirty (debris, rubbish and discards are placed in the trash bins, soiled dishes are placed in the dishwasher), and no other charges incurred before, during or after your stay still outstanding. All normal utilities are included in your rental price. You hereby agree to pay Belle Caribe STT the cleaning or replacement costs for all damages to personal property or to the real estate, which may occur as a result of your occupancy, excluding normal wear and tear.
Note: damage to the natural tiles from wine, food, oils and other liquids are not considered normal wear and tear.
LOCKED CABINETS – Locked cabinets are reserved for the use of Belle Caribe owners and are not included in this rental. You as the Guest agree to take all reasonable steps to ensure that your family and other guests in your party adhere to the rules and regulations affecting Belle Caribe. Belle Caribe is fully furnished, including an ample supply of bed linens and towels for Guests’ use. Rearranging the furniture or removing any items from the villa is prohibited.
LIABILITY – Belle Caribe STT reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, and assumes no liability for delay, irregularities, accidents, bodily injury, death, personal property loss or damage, due to negligence, defect, theft, an “act of God”, or the involvement or acts of any person, company, or independent service provider (travel agents, tour operators, product manufacturers, airlines, rental cars, taxis, buses, boats). Proper I.D. may be required upon arrival to secure the rental transactions. Guests are responsible for the villa for the duration of the rental period, must lock the villa’s doors and windows securely at all times when not on the premises, and must exercise care in securing all personal property. Guests must observe of all precautions, which are provided upon check-in and posted in the villa. Guests are responsible for ensuring that they and other visitors abide by all oral or written property rules and regulations. All units are equipped with a current and fully itemized property checklist. Guests are responsible for notifying Belle Caribe STT within 24 hrs of checking in of any discrepancies to the itemized property checklist. Belle Caribe STT assumes no responsibility and guarantees no compensation for unforeseen mechanical failure such as the supply of water, electricity, cable services, television and other appliances. Belle Caribe STT reserves the right of ownership to any written guest testimonials, photo images taken on property, and all marketing instruments such as logos, rental agreements and web sites.
Guests acknowledge that he/she will exercise extreme caution regarding the verandahs, decks, walkways and staircases, and the driveway and road(s) private or public, and hereby warrant that he/she or other adult(s) will constantly supervise minor child/children while in and around the premises of the house and while on or near the verandahs, decks, walkways and staircases, the driveway and road(s) private or public.
Guests agree to keep and hold harmless Belle Carible STT from all damages and liability whatsoever, to any minor child/children arising from any unmindfulness of the Guests, or failure on the Guest’s part to comply with any terms and conditions of the vacation rental.
NO PETS – Pets of any kind are NOT allowed in or on Belle Caribe’s premises without specific written permission from Belle Caribe STT (granted prior to arrival). A pet or evidence of a pet found on premises will cause immediate eviction, and forfeiture of Guest’s entire rent and deposit.
NO SMOKING – There is NO SMOKING or burning of candles, incense, or any other flammables allowed anywhere in the house or on the decks. There will be a $500 charge for evidence of smoking or burning objects. If you would like to smoke, you may smoke outside in the driveway area.
COMPLAINTS AND MAINTENANCE – Belle Caribe STT shall make every effort to have Belle Caribe and its inventory in good working order. In case of a maintenance problem, we will strive to repair the problem as soon as possible after being notified. We reserve the right to be allowed several hours (up to 24 hours) to cure a reported problem. However, no refund or rate adjustment shall be made for unforeseen mechanical failures such as the supply of electricity, internet service, water, television or cable service, appliances, etc. Due to wild fluctuations in our island electrical service, cable and other utilities, we cannot guarantee that all electrical services and/or cable or other utilities will operate correctly at all times. No rebates will be given due to any of the above. It is the Guest’s obligation to report any problems or damage IMMEDIATELY to us, regardless of the hour. (Please also see Our Payment & Cancellation Policies, 2nd and 3rd paragraphs, above).
INSECTS – While we try to make Belle Caribe as insect-free as possible, bugs are a fact of living in the tropics. The most prevalent are tiny ants that may show up for no apparent reason. No amount of spraying helps. They leave when they feel like it. You can help by wrapping food tightly and/or refrigerating it. Disposing of trash daily and wiping down the counters frequently will also help.
CHECK-IN and CHECK-OUT TIMES – Check in time is 3 pm. Guests must vacate Belle Caribe no later than 11 am. Often there is another guest checking in the same afternoon as other guests depart, so our housekeepers need all that time to clean, do laundry and prepare for incoming guests. Failure to check out of your villa at 11 am sharp may result in a $250 penalty. If guests are not checking in the same day you depart or the next, we are happy for you to stay past 11 am, and we will coordinate timing with you.
CAPACITY – The total number of persons allowed in the villa at any one time is restricted to the number of persons scheduled and paid for, based on two persons per bedroom. Only the Guest and his/her party are permitted to enter or make use of the villa or its facilities. Should a group misrepresent themselves, they will be required to pay for all excess persons immediately, or shall vacate the villa without refund.
VILLA KEYS – Belle Caribe STT shall charge Guest $50 for each set of lost or mishandled keys. Guest is required to follow all instructions precisely on where to leave the villa keys when you depart – call us if you are unsure!
ENTRY INTO VILLA – Belle Caribe authorized staff may enter Belle Caribe to perform any repairs and/or cleaning as necessary.
SUBSTITUTION – Belle Caribe STT reserves the right to substitute comparable or better accommodations without liability should Belle Caribe be out of order or been inadvertently double-booked. If comparable accommodations are not available, Guest may receive a complete refund of all pro-rated rent and Hotel Tax paid for rental of Belle Caribe.
DRUGS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS – Guest and members of his party shall not use or permit to be brought into any villa any illegal substances, fireworks, inflammable fluids (e.g., gasoline, kerosene, naphtha or benzene), or other explosives or articles deemed hazardous to life, limb or property.
LOUD, LATE, DISRUPTIVE ACTIVITIES – Belle Caribe is located in a residential neighborhood. We understand you are on vacation, however, your neighbors may not be on vacation Please respect our neighbors by not playing loud music/making loud noise after 10p. Loud music, midnight parties and excessive noise and other such disturbances are prohibited in accordance with Title 19, Chapter 62 of the Virgin Islands Code.
QUIET ENJOYMENT AND PARTIES – Belle Caribe STT wishes to maintain a family atmosphere for the quiet enjoyment of Guests. We rent to family groups and responsible adults only; absolutely NO house parties or functions such as weddings are allowed without advance WRITTEN permission from Belle Caribe STT. Guests shall be sufficiently quiet and peaceful, so as not to disturb other residents of the neighborhood, particularly after 10 pm at night. If Guest is found to have had a wedding or any sort of group gathering for more persons than officially scheduled and paid for at the villa, and/or without Belle Caribe STT’s advance written permission, he is subject to forfeiture of his entire villa security deposit to Belle Caribe STT at Belle Caribe STT’s discretion.
PARKING -Belle Caribe has its own private parking. Parking is limited to 3 vehicles. Vehicles are to be parked in designated upper driveway/parking area only.
LOWER LEVEL – Belle Caribe is a 2-storey structure with a completely separate apartment with private driveway and entrance on the lower level with full-time tenants. They do not have access to the villa upstairs that you are renting.
WATER, SEPTIC AND POWER – Belle Caribe strives to be environmentally conscious. Belle Caribe provides all of its own water for use from rainwater, which is collected from the roof and stored in cisterns below the house. Water is filtered for drinking and washing use. Belle Caribe also has a solar hot water system and produces solar electricity. Due to the nature of the water pump system from the cistern, water pressure may seem lower than you may experience at home, and the solar hot water system will take longer to generate hot water than other types of heating systems. The septic system is very effective, however, it will clog up if improper material is flushed. DO NOT FLUSH anything other than toilet paper. No feminine products should be flushed at any time. If it is found that feminine products have been flushed and clog the septic system, you could be charged damages of up to $200. In addition, please note that water is at a premium here, so please watch that you only use what you need and conserve whenever possible.
RATES AND PRINTING ERRORS – The information pertaining to Belle Caribe and its rates were correct when printed or posted online, and our information online is constantly updated. However, Belle Caribe STT is not responsible for printing errors or inadvertent omissions. All rates and villa details are subject to change without prior notice.
In any dispute arising out of this rental agreement, the laws of the United States Virgin Islands shall apply and the prevailing party shall recover its costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees. This Rental Confirmation becomes a binding agreement when you send us your rental deposit. Your sending payment in response to this invoice constitutes your acceptance and agreement to these terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions as printed above. If you have any problems or questions with any of the preceding, please BE SURE to email or phone us BEFORE you send us your rental deposit monies. Thank you.
STORM POLICY – Hurricane season runs from June through November. Although necessary evacuation due to hurricanes is rare, at the time of a hurricane warning, Guests are required to relocate/leave Belle Caribe so that the villa may be properly shut down for storm protection. Guests’ pro-rated amount of the total rental rate will be refunded for any unused nights.
WRITTEN EXCEPTIONS – Any exceptions to the above mentioned policies must be approved in writing in advance.
YOUR ARRIVAL ON ISLAND – IMPORTANT! – We will need to know your airline FLIGHT NUMBER, ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES, AND YOUR CAR RENTAL COMPANY at least THREE WEEKS before you travel (please email this vital information to bellecaribe@cox.net)! This is essential – there are no street addresses on most of St. Thomas, and you may be stranded at the airport or ferry when you arrive unless we know when to expect you and can arrange to have your escort person meet you and lead you to Belle Caribe. DO NOT LEAVE THE AIRPORT or we may not be able to find you. If your flight is delayed or cancelled while en route, you are REQUIRED to contact Belle Caribe STT so we can notify everyone involved, including your car rental company – failure to do this will result in a $50 penalty. You may phone us at 619.518.2215 or 619.203.8068.
ARRIVAL AND ESCORT TO BELLE CARIBE – You’ll be met upon arrival at the airport or ferry dock, OR at your car rental agency, led (escorted) to Belle Caribe, and when you arrive there you’ll be given the villa keys and a walk-through of the property to help get you settled and comfortable. This “meet-and-escort” service is included in your rental rate. There is no extra charge for these services, although a tip for your escort is at your discretion for excellent service. You’ll also have the island manager’s day and night phone numbers for contact in case you need anything (even advice!) during your island vacation. Transportation back to the airport or ferry dock upon your departure is NOT included, but we would be happy to arrange it for you.
You will need a rental car to make the most of your vacation and to get around St. Thomas. Please be sure that you rent a vehicle large enough for your entire party PLUS your luggage! Island rental cars are usually small compact models, and jeeps will hold four passengers but little to no luggage – please plan accordingly. If you’ve rented a smaller vehicle and need help carrying any excess luggage to your villa, your airport escort person can take your luggage in his or her vehicle for you and your party for an extra fee to be paid directly to your escort. If you prefer to rent a car after settling in to Belle Caribe, we will be happy to help you make arrangements for transportation for you and your luggage and arrange for a rental car to be delivered to Belle Caribe at an extra charge to be paid directly to the transportation service and rental car company.
MAID SERVICE – Belle Caribe will be cleaned just before your arrival and after your departure. If you would like service during your stay, we can easily arrange maid service for you as often as you wish for an additional charge. Requests for additional maid service should be made in writing prior to arrival.
BABIES & TODDLERS – Belle Caribe is situated on a very steep hill, which affords our guests fabulous views, however, there are very high drops from the deck areas, and the property is not suitable for babies and toddlers.
TIPPING THE VILLA’S STAFF – For excellent service, we recommend tipping about $25 for each housekeeper.
STAIRS & DISABILITIES – If you’re person with a disability, please be sure to speak with us about the situation let us know if you are on crutches or in a wheelchair.
GENERAL DISCLOSURES – Belle Caribe is located in an un-gated, non-associated, residential neighborhood. All beaches in the US Virgin Islands are for public use. While beach access through private property is prohibited, access by sea is permissible. In a tropical environment, pest control efforts may not totally deter ants, roaches or other insects. Certain foliage in tropical environments can be harmful or cause injury if ingested or touched. There may be many forms of wildlife residing in tropical foliage, such as birds, deer, iguanas and small non-poisonous snakes. Geckos reside on and around the building. They are our friends as they dine on mosquitoes and other insects that may be bothersome. Please respect them.
AND – SOME VERY IMPORTANT NOTES FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Always travel with your list of island contact numbers in case of emergencies. And be sure you remember to bring your passport and a photo ID! IF YOU ARE TAKING ANY DAY TRIPS TO THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS or to ANY OTHER ISLANDS OUTSIDE OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, THEN YOU MAY ENTER and DEPART the U.S.V.I. WITH A VALID PASSPORT -OR- PASSPORT CARD –OR- WITH YOUR ORIGINAL (OR CERTIFIED COPY) BIRTH CERTIFICATE ACCOMPANIED WITH A GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PHOTO ID. And always check with your airlines for the latest boarding requirements before you travel! DON’T FORGET to BRING PROOF of CITIZENSHIP! Everyone departing the United States Virgin Islands, including U.S. citizens, is now required by U.S. Immigration to show either a valid passport OR an original or certified copy of a birth certificate accompanied by a Government-issued photo ID. The U.S. Virgin Islands are a “port of entry” to the U.S. mainland, so please don’t forget these for the whole family (even for the baby!). In order to re-enter the United States Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland from any of the British Virgin Islands, you will need a passport (or passport card, which is valid for land and sea travel only). If you plan to visit any of the British Virgin Islands during your stay, even if it is just a day visit or boating trip, your passport or passport card will be required, except for persons under 16 (original birth certificate is acceptable for land and sea travel ONLY). Please visit the U.S. Passport Office online at http://travel.state.gov for updated information, and always verify boarding requirements with your airline before you travel.
Cell Phone Service – Please note that there is no land line telephone service at Belle Caribe. There is cell phone coverage with most major services, however please check with your carrier because roaming charges may apply for some carriers.